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Once again we have a packed issue including the long-awaited delivery of our TIPS® baby checklist that our Parent Testers helped us to develop. We talk a lot about safety in this issue, with articles about the safest car seats, the latest Lindam safety gate (we have two up for grabs in a mini-competition) and a video clip showing a step-by-step guide to using the epi-pen for severe allergic reactions. Our spring collection of TIPS Testers' photos is sure to delight and entertain you. Maybe you have photos of your own you would like to share with us? Remember we're always on the lookout for these - and I will send a dedicated copy of my book (Breastfeeding: the essential guide) to the sender of each photo we publish.We have reviewed the Bellabee websitefor you:go to www.bellabee.co.uk to find the perfect gift solution for children of all ages. Each hand drawn painting is made to order, and guaranteed to brighten up any child's bedroom or playroom. We even have a personalised Bellabee painting to give away!

Our featured brand is the world famous Bickiepegs. Established 87 years ago this beloved baby brand, not only manufactures the classic Bickiepegs teething biscuit but is also famed for the innovative Doidy cup (a TIPS Award-winning product since 2007). We would like to congratulate everyone at Bickiepegs in Aberdeen for continuing to provide first class baby products and excellent customer care.

We have reviewed a book for you: Hold it Mama, a book by leading Australian women's health physiotherapist Mary O'Dwyer.

The classic lift-the-flap book Dear Zoo was a favourite book with all my children. We still have a copy (slightly worse for wear and showing signs of age) tucked away on a shelf waiting to be enjoyed by our grandchildren!

2012 sees the 30th anniversary of Dear Zoo. To celebrate this Macmillan Children's Books has launched a Dear Zoo app that lets parents and children share the story in a fun new way.

This is the first app that Macmillan Children's Books have developed, and Sara Lloyd, Digital Director of Panmacmillan, explains why:

'We are thrilled our first app is a version of the best selling, iconic Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell. For us an app always has to deliver something very special to justify its app-worthiness. Here we've developed a digital version of the lift-the-flap experience but we've also delivered so much more than that, with entertaining animations, a game and exclusive new artwork from Rod himself, as well as synched audio from Caroline Quentin. Plus, the app is launching ahead of a year of celebrations for the 30th Anniversary of Dear Zoo, bringing it to a whole new generation of readers in a charming new way.'

Dear Zoo author Rod Campbell was delighted with the new incarnation of his classic book. He said:

'I was rather wary of Dear Zoo being transformed into app form, but I must say that the result has exceeded my expectations – it remains true to the book and the interactive elements are perfectly in tune with the text, the animals and the age of the child. That Dear Zoo after 30 years in print now exists in app form is rather wonderful, and for me it's the unique interactive engagement of this app that makes the learning to read experience with Dear Zoo so involving and so much fun.'

For a chance to wina copy of the beloved Dear Zoo in the latest Noisy Book formatcheck out mini-competition 1Explore Learning Time Tables

Free iPhone app to help your children learn their times tables

Explore Learning have created a new iPhone app designed to support your child's learning away from the classroom. The Explore Learning Times Tables app is free and easy to use. It encourages children to have fun while practising their times tables. Explore Learning, who provides after-school tuition to children across the UK, wanted to design something innovative and fun for children all over the world to enjoy!

The app has some exciting features. The Times Table Guide lists all the times tables available to practise on, and several games offer children many fun ways to test themselves:

Beat the Clock gives just 60 seconds to answer as many questions as possible

Multiple Choice monitors how long children take to answer a series of questions.

Children choose the times tables they would like to be quizzed on and just play away! The handy high-score feature allows parents and children to track their progress over time.

Using this app should help children learn their times tables, and improve the speed and accuracy of their mental maths. This app has proved really popular; attracting 700 downloads per month from almost 40 countries!

We are delighted to congratulate our latest TIPS Award-winning baby skincare product on their well deserved win. Well done Jackson Reece! You can read the full reviews in the TIPS Awards section of our website.

Brand new Jackson Reece product

Nose Nuzzles: natural saline wipes for stuffy noses

Pack of 20 Nose Nuzzles RRP £2.49 Available from SainsburysSupplied and manufactured by www.jacksonreece.com

In 1925, leading paediatrician Dr Harry Campbell developed the now famous Bickiepeg biscuit to provide exercise considered vital for babies learning to chew. 87 years later, Bickiepegs teething biscuits are sold all over the world!

Suitable for babies from 6 months old, Bickiepegs biscuits are thought to promote healthy teeth and gums. Each pack contains 9 biscuits with a ribbon to let you tie the biscuit to clothes.

The recipe for Bickiepegs biscuits hasn't changed since 1925. These kosher biscuits contain no added sugar, sweetener, artificial colours or flavourings. They are suitable for vegetarians and vegans too.

In fact, the recipe is the not the only thing to remain unchanged for years: Bickiepegs bakery manager only recently retired at the age of 65 - having been in post for 39 years!

Doidy cup

RRP: £3.80 in 14 colours

Available from John Lewis, all leading chemists, JoJo Maman Bébé, NCT and www.kiddicare.com

Almost as famous as its sister product the Bickepegs biscuit, the innovative Doidy cup is one of the most versatile cups on the market (suitable from birth to old age). It is manufactured using food safe high density polyethylene the Doidy cup is also free from PVC, Phthalates and Bisphenol A (BPA).

'The Doidy cup was the outright winner in this category with an incredible 100% of testers choosing this as their favourite cup overall!

The innovative design with its slanting rim greatly reduces spillage whilst remaining surprisingly stable into the bargain. The perfectly sized double handles also make it easy for babies and children to drink from. Advice to hold the cup from beneath when feeding a young baby works well. With help, this cup is suitable for use from birth. It can also be used for babies as young as three months with minimal assistance and is ideal for older people or those with specific physical disabilities. This cup is especially useful for giving expressed milk in the early days of breastfeeding, when Mothers want to avoid the use of bottles and teats. This could prolong the success of breastfeeding which is another great reason to opt for this wonderfully designed open top feeding cup.'

This beloved baby brand is expanding its export market all the time. Recent new export markets include Japan and the Far East.

We would like to congratulate everyone at Bickiepegs in Aberdeen for continuing to provide first class baby products and excellent customer care.

To find out more about Bickiepegs, Doidy and other innovative dental products visit their website: www.bickiepegs.co.uk

For a chance to win 1 of 10 sets of Bickiepegs teething biscuits and Doidy cups check out mini-competition 3:: Featured website Bella bee - personalised paintings for childrenWebsite: www.bellabee.co.uk

Louise Dawes' lifelong love of painting and the arrival of her baby inspired her to launch the children's artwork company Bella bee in 2010.

The range includes lovingly painted friendly animals, a collection of pretty girlie things and diggers and boats especially for boys, girls or babies.

Bella bee offers the perfect gift solution for children of all ages. Each hand-drawn painting is made to order, and guaranteed to brighten up any child's bedroom or playroom. You can choose white framed paintings or canvases in a variety of colours and designs. Each painting can be personalised with a child's favourite design. Their name and date of birth can be included to make this a truly unique gift.

Louise explains: 'Every new mother wants to provide the perfect environment for their baby and I like to think that a Bella bee painting helps add some fun and colour to a child's bedroom. Having become a mum myself a few years ago I realised the need for gifts for fellow mums or as christening presents, and hope Bella bee can offer busy mums and dads an easy, affordable solution in their hunt for the perfect gift!'

Prices range from £35 - £50 +P&P. To find out more about the Bella bee collection, visit their website: www.bellabee.co.uk

For a chance to win a personalised (name or date of birth) Bella bee painting (you can choose from a frog, ballerina or teddy) check out mini-competition 4Featured article :: The Baby Book (Colchester & Tendring) March – June 2012

The Baby Book (Colchester & Tendring) March – June 2012 issue features a summary of the baby skincare advice Sharon provides in her award-winning leaflet Baby care – back to basics™.

The Baby Book aims to make every parent-to-be and new parent feel part of a cosy community wherever they live. To find out more go to www.thebabybook.co.uk and www.facebook.com/thebabybook

I first came across Mary O'Dwyer when I reviewed her first book Hold It Sister (see picture above) - for our e-newsletter 19 (June 2010). I loved this book and have been recommending it to friends and family ever since. So when Mary's new book was published I asked one of the TIPS Parent Testers to review Hold It Mama. I wanted to publish an independent review written by a woman who didn't know about Mary's work. I was not surprised that our reviewer was just as impressed as I had been. This is what she had to say about Hold It Mama:

Review by Pip Wheelwright:

This fantastic book should be on every woman's bookshelf- I intend to buy a copy and make it my personal pelvic floor bible.

I so wish it had been available before I got pregnant, before I gave birth, or indeed when I was younger.

I am 43, and have some very personal reasons for wanting to read this excellent book. However, women of any age, mums, mums-to-be and women who don't have children should read it. There is something for every woman in this very interesting, informative and clearly written book. It includes excellent exercises, diagrams and photographs.

As Mary writes: 'Every woman should think of her pelvic floor muscles as " The Queen" of her core muscles' - by looking after these you will continue to keep the Queen happily reigning throughout your life!

I had many reasons for wanting to read this book and for trying to find ways to help support my pelvic floor muscles - they have been through a lot, especially over the past few years! I had two difficult, very long, traumatic labours and medically assisted births. The first was an emergency c section, after our son crowned and got wedged in my birth canal after four days of labour. Our second larger baby was delivered at 42 weeks via vaginal birth after caesarean with 3rd degree tears due to forceps. I also had a vaginal hysterectomy due to bulky fibroids in 2011. I felt myself nodding in agreement at many of the scenarios described in the book. Although I have always 'tried' to do my pelvic floor exercises, this book and Mary's advice has made me appreciate just how incredibly important these exercises are for my wellbeing in the future. Don't miss out; you owe it to yourself to read this must-have book!

This year sees the 36th National Smile Month annual campaign. Anyone can take part and there's lots of ideas and information for people who want to get involved.

This is what you should do if you are interested:

Register online to get a free campaign guide and lots of useful resources over the coming weeks, including campaign newsletters and logos.

You can also apply for some free 'smileys' - the symbol of this year's campaign. Stocks of smileys are limited and will be supplied on a first come first served basis. The smileys are great fun and make anyone smile. Three messages printed on the back of each smiley remind everyone how to take care of their teeth.

Get planning! It's always a good idea to have a plan and a clear idea what you want to achieve. Check out our simple ten-point action plan here.

If you need advice, information or help to improve your oral health you can contact Dental Helpline:

phone 08450 631 188. During office hours to speak to a qualified dental professional

To coincide with National Smile Month the lovely people at Weleda offer you the chance to win one of two sets of their new Ratanhia Mouthwash and Ratanhia Toothpaste. The pure plant extracts of this all-natural formulation refresh mouth and breath, soothe and firm your gums. These products are made with ratanhia and myrrh, both known for their toning and soothing properties. Myrrh also has natural antiseptic and healing properties, and the horse chestnut bark extract (found in the mouthwash) helps tighten the gums. Invigorating peppermint, aromatic essential oils of natural antiseptics sage and eucalyptus provide freshness. The mouthwash is entirely free of synthetic flavourings or fragrance, artificial additives or preservatives.

Regular gentle brushing also helps treat bleeding gums. It's best to use a toothpaste like Weleda's Ratanhia Toothpaste which is formulated for gum health and not too abrasive. Weleda's toothpaste contains only natural ingredients and is free from detergents, bleaches, foam boosters, optical brighteners, synthetic fragrances and deodorants, artificial additives or preservatives. As well as helping to reduce inflammation, ratanhia gives the toothpaste it's pretty pink colour. Essential oils provide a revitalising minty flavour to keep your breath fresh.

Ratanhia Mouthwash and Ratanhia Toothpaste are available from health stores, from pharmacies, and directly from Weleda (go to: www.weleda.co.uk). You can also phone 0115 944 8222 for mail order and stockist information.

For a chance to win 1 of 2 sets of Weleda Ratanhia mouthwash and toothpaste check out mini-competition 6

Featured video clip :: EpiPen

Cartoon shows parents what to do if a child has an allergic reaction

EpiPen® have developed a video showing what to do if a child has an anaphylactic shock (this is an extreme allergic reaction that can be fatal). Parents are being urged to watch this new cartoon online

Allergic conditions including asthma and eczema are on the increase. Nut allergies are on the rise too, with up to one in 50 children in the UK allergic to peanuts. Reactions can range from mild itching and rashes to life-threatening breathing problems (anaphylactic shocks) that can be life-threatening.

The most common food triggers are nuts and peanuts but dairy products (including milk, yogurts and cheese),eggs, fish, shellfish and fruit can also be a trigger.

In the UK, thousands of people with severe allergies carry EpiPen® Auto-Injectors. With its unique and trusted 'swing and jab' action EpiPen® can provide life-saving treatment.

On the EpiPen® website (www.epipen.co.uk) allergy sufferers can order a free Trainer Pen to practice using an EpiPen® Auto-Injector and free protective hard carry cases. People who have EpiPens can also register online to get expiry alert service to ensure the devices are within their expiry date.

From 26 to 29 September 2011, leading specialist research company, Mums Views carried out a survey with 408 women (203 pregnant mums and 205 mums with babies up to 6 months old) – this is what they found:

8 out of 10 mums-to-be decide on their main baby purchases well before the end of their pregnancy. For manufacturers, this means that direct marketing information needs to reach mums soon after they become pregnant

most mums prefer brands that provide good supporting information and advice whose products they can 'try and buy' in high street stores.

Is it any wonder that parents-to-be are baffled by the ever more sophisticated marketing campaigns of mother and baby products and services? A multitude of baby checklists are published in the baby press and on parenting websites. Each of these claims to be the definitive list of what parents-to-be must buy before baby is born.

Anyone who has had children (I have had five so I speak from experience) will remember the many so-called 'must-have' products bought but never or hardly used, that simply cluttered the house or became obsolete within weeks – ring any bells?

We wanted our TIPS® baby checklist to include only items parents-to-be need to have before their baby is born. We asked the real baby experts - the dedicated TIPS® Parent Testers - what should be included in this list, and used their suggestions to prepare the TIPS list of essential items.

We asked 7 questions about essential baby items, and got 344 responses. Our very favourite suggestion came in response to the question 'What is essential baby bedding equipment?' to which a TIPS Tester sweetly replied 'a parent willing to have baby on the chest'!

In this instalment of 'Diary of a Student Midwife' our student midwife reflects on the past three years and the life-changing journey she has experienced. Exams and final placements may beckon but for now you will be touched by this poignant overview of her training to date .

Soshanna has been a TIPS Tester for a few years now. Her pictures (including one taken after the home birth of her son Josh and the actual birth video) have been featured in most categories of our e-newsletters. We thought you would like to read the incredible story of Josh's birth, which took place in a birthing pool on a narrow boat in London. Thankfully Soshanna agreed to share her story with us...

Since the birth Soshanna has been very busy training to become a hypnobirthing trainer and setting up her new venture Snuggybub slings. Is there not end to this woman's talents?!

Having searched in vain for stylish and affordable quality natural knitwear, mum Shireen Cunliffe decided to start making her own pieces and Picaloulou was born. Every Picaloulou garment is made entirely from soft, blended natural yarns that are tender on delicate skins. This year British reared Merino, Corriedale and Alpaca fleece has been used. The wool has been hand dyed with soil association approved dyes, and commission spun at one of the few remaining UK mills: The Natural Fibre Company in Devon (www.thenaturalfibre.co.uk). Picaloulou know that busy mums don't have time to get their children's clothes to the dry cleaners or to hand wash them, so every Picaloulou garment is machine washable on a gentle wool cycle.

The Picaloulou range includes jumpers, cardigans, tank tops, jackets and gorgeous beanie hats for children from 1 to 6 year olds. Each piece has been designed in the UK and then lovingly knitted at home by a small and talented team of ladies, scattered the length and breadth of the UK. Picaloulou customers are invited to go online to 'meet their knitter' and post comments or thanks for each garment they buy. The mainly unisex styles are made to last so they can be handed down to family and friends. In 2012 they will be adding a baby range and some key styles for older children 7-12 years old.

As soon as we saw Picaloulou garments, we knew they would be perfect for our TIPS top treat feature. So if you are looking for that special present for your little one, then check out the Picaloulou website - new styles are added each season.

To find out more about the delightful Picaloulou knitwear, visit their website: www.picaloulou.com

New and updated Breastfeeding guide to help give premature babies the best start.

Special care baby charity Bliss has updated their breastfeeding information guide for parents of premature and sick babies.

The Best Start guide explains how to express and breastfeed premature or sick babies. It includes a step-by-step guide on how to provide milk for babies, and explains how mums and babies will benefit physically and emotionally.

Having a sick and premature baby is a very challenging and emotional experience for parents. Fortunately, they can get support on the neonatal unit and from Bliss. Parents who need help to give their baby the best start can phone the Bliss support helpline (0500 618 140), visit the Bliss website www.bliss.org.uk or check the message-board.

The Best Start guide includes information about preparing to express or breastfeed, breastfeeding your baby, as well as Lisa Donelan's story about breastfeeding her baby Niahm, who was born at 26 weeks.

TIPS-testing baby and toddler slings...I am thrilled to announce that our long-awaited trial of baby and toddler slings is finally a reality. We have 52 baby and toddler slings out to testers. We hope to bring you the final results in the next couple of months so watch this space...

and...

We need volunteers to test ... ViraSoothe Gel: a new product that helps with the itchiness of chickenpox spots

We're are still looking for 6 participants for the ViraSoothe Gel trial. To take part your Little One must:

have chickenpox, and

be between 6 months and 12 years old.

It is of course impossible to know in advance if or when your Little One may get chickenpox. If you are a TIPS Tester and you wish to take part in this trial if your Little One gets chickenpox, just let us know (email
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). We will add your details to our list of provisional volunteers.

We would also like to ask our readers to spread the word with others who may be interested in this trial.

Motors.co.uk is running a campaign to highlight the lack of safety information on rear-facing car seats. Numerous studies have shown that rear-facing car seats provide significantly more protection than other car seats in the event of a crash. In Scandinavia and in the US parents are advised to travel with their child in a rear-facing car seat until the age of four (or until they weigh 16 to 25kg). Motors.co.uk carried out a survey with 1000 parents. 7 respondents in 10 didn't know that rear-facing car seats were available for children of that age group and were unaware of the added protection they provide. Motors.co.uk are calling for the UK Government, retailers and manufacturers to give parents all the information they need about children's car seats. They also ask for more rear-facing models to be available in the UK.

For quality and consistent information about car seats and child safety, go to www.rearfacing.co.uk. This website was created by Helena Atkinson (a Swedish mother) and her partner who became extremely concerned about the lack of reliable information for parents about this when they moved to the UK 10 years ago.

Child Car Seat Best Practice Charter

In October 2011, Which? published the results of their extensive undercover investigation into child car seat fitting advice. The results made for worrying reading. Many of the 43 high street and independent stores visited across the UK failed to give accurate advice, and half the shops failed to install seats correctly.

Since then Which? has given retailers they have investigated detailed feedback and asked what they intend to do to improve the service they provide.

So far Babies R Us, John Lewis, Mamas & Papas and Mothercare have signed up to the Which? Best Practice charter.

This investigation has had a big impact with these retailers, and some are already reviewing their car seat fitting services. For example, Mamas & Papas has carried out a mystery shopping exercise at its stores and promised to improve training for their staff.

Having endorsed the Child Car Seat Best Practice ,the British Independent Retailers Association will promote it to its members.

Quack Quack Moo

Introduction by Sharon Trotter:If like me you have experienced the noisy crackly feel of a bib or mattress protector that has been washed too often, then you will be interested in Quack Quack Moo products. Before featuring any brand, I always do my research. So when I emailed Leanne at Quack Quack Moo I wanted to know what makes her products different and why she uses polyurethane laminate (PUL) instead of the cheaper polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA).PEVA tends to be hot, sticky and crackly once washed whereas PUL is breathable and does not crinkle. It doesn't become crackly or sticky when, tumbled-dried, but is still 100% waterproof.Neither PEVA nor PUL are recyclable. But longer-lasting PUL products can be used over and over again with many children. This reduces wastage and makes them more cost-effective. I have to commend Quack Quack Moo on developing such a clever set of products, but don't just take my word for it, have a look at their website www.quackquackmoo.co.ukAbout Quack Quack Moo:Founder and mother of two Leanne Curtis-Cobb wanted to develop unique clothing and accessories to help parents with everyday issues we can all relate to: soggy shoulders, wet clothes, damp car seats, bedtime accidents – you get the idea.Many companies have jumped on the' organic' or 'eco-friendly' band wagon. However, they forget that most parents either can't afford to buy organic or aren't prepared to make the leap to be completely organic. Leanne wanted her products to offer a greener way of living that was also reasonably priced.>Quack Quack Moo products are made with new fabrics which combine organic cotton, microfibre or bamboo with a layer of PUL. These ingenious fabrics are waterproof, breathable and comfortable to touch or wear.The Quack Quack Moo range includes:

babygrows

pants and vests

hooded blankets

bibs

mattress protectors

car seat protectors

burp cloths

Quack Quack Moo should be washed at 40 degrees but can be washed at a higher temperature, if necessary.For a chance to win a Maxi gift set (worth £29.99) check out mini-competition 7

I came across this excellent resource via a post on facebook and thought I would share it with you. Not only will it provide your children with many hours of fun activities but they will also be helping to develop their fine motor skills. From sweet sorting to water painting and much more besides this is a very useful website for parents!

Here is our very first TIPS baby of 2012. Welcome to baby Orla Mirran – aaawwww!

TIPS baby

How could you resist this angelic shot of baby Rufus being cuddled by mummy? This gorgeous picture was a wonderful surprise Christmas present for daddy.

TIPS bump

A beautifully constructed bump aged 33 weeks and growing. We look forward to publishing a picture of baby when he or she makes an appearance, so watch this space!

Many congratulations to Mummy and Daddy on the safe arrival of a baby boy - here he is aged one day old weighing in at 4lbs 14ozs!

TIPS toddler

Aron Martin is snugly wrapped up in a sling while on holiday in Spain – stylish or what?!

TIPS toddler

We think Alanna is enjoying her lunch – what an adorable smile! Chec out our family picture to see the rest of her family.

TIPS toddler

Winter is over, and Clara decides to do a Spring clean! Well done Little One...

TIPS family

We love this smiley family picture of daddy with Joel, Anisa and Alanna.

TIPS breastfeeder

Mia makes a contented little mummy as she sits and feeds her dolly at the breast – too cute!

TIPS babywearer

Yes you can enjoy dollywearing as well as babywearing! Check out these lovely dolly slings the Childrens Carriers & Toys section of the Slumber-Roo website.

TIPS model in the making...

Orlaith is only 3 years old but already she is modelling for Rachel Riley Vintage Clothing. We think you will agree that our young tester is a model in the making...

Babycare – back to basics™ leaflet (version 8) out now

Version 8 of this award-winning leaflet is hot off the press. It is distributed around the UK at various professional and parenting events. Health professionals and maternity units can buy hard copies – email
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for more information. As well as all the hints and tips you need about baby skincare, skin-to-skin contact and feeding but, this leaflet now includes the latest and safest advice on reducing the risk of cot death. Email
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if you would like a free copy.

New desktop radio player available! Launched on DAB digital radio in April 2010 - Broadcasting across Cheshire, Staffordshire and North East Wales. Sharon's interviews about breast feeding, tongue-tie, baby skincare, cup feeding, baby baths, cuddle towels, decongestants and much more are broadcast regularly. You can also download them here....

If you would like to listen to My Baby Radio directly from your desktop, and without visiting the website, you can download the new desktop radio player (you will need to have the latest version of Windows Media Player installed on your PC or laptop). Go to the My Baby Radio website to get the player.

TIPS competitions

Like us on Facebook

If you are on Facebook and want to take the opportunity to enter all 12 TIPS competitions in 1 go all you have to do is:

'Like' us on Facebook

Email
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and say you wish to enter the e-newsletter competitions - remember to include your name and address in the message so we know where to send your prize(s)

Check out the list of winners in our next e-newsletter – it could be you!

mini- competition 1

Win a copy of Dear Zoo Noisy Book by Rod Campbell

We have a treat for you: the very latest Dear Zoo Noisy Book (worth £12.99). This classic hardback copy has all your favourite characters, and the added bonus of eight delightful interactive sound buttons.

For a chance to win a copy of the beloved Dear Zoo, in the latest Noisy Book format, email the words 'Dear Zoo' to
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by 25 May 2012. We will announce the winner in e-newsletter 27.

mini- competition 2

For a chance to win 1of 4 sets of Jackson Reece unscented wipes and the brand new Nose Nuzzles email the words 'Jackson Reece'
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by 25 May 2012. We will announce the winners in e-newsletter 27.

mini- competition 3

For a chance to win 1 of 10 Doidy cups (you can choose your colour) with a pack of Bickiepegs teething biscuits email the word 'Bickiepegs' (remembering to tell us which colour you prefer: yellow, blue, red, jade green, sparkle jade green, pastel pink, cerise pink, sparkle cerise pink, orange, purple, sparkle purple, lilac, turquoise or white) to
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by 25 May 2012. We will announce the winners in e-newsletter 27.

mini- competition 4

For a chance to win a personalised (name or date of birth) Bella bee painting (you can choose from a frog, ballerina or teddy) email the words 'Bella bee' to
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by 25 May 2012. We will announce the winner in e-newsletter 27.

mini- competition 5

For a chance to win a copy of Hold It Mama, email the words 'Hold It Mama' to
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by 25 May 2012. We will announce the winner in e-newsletter 27.

mini- competition 6

For a chance to win 1 of 2 sets of Weleda Ratanhia mouthwash and toothpaste email the word 'Weleda' to
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by 25 May 2012. We will announce the winners in e-newsletter 27.

mini- competition 7

For a chance to win a Quack Quack Moo Maxi gift set (hooded blanket in pink or blue, dribble bib, shoulder chuck cloth and length 'n' Loop dummy fastener) worth £29.99. For a chance to win this Maxi git set email the words 'Quack Quack Moo' to
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by 25 May 2012. We will announce the winner in e-newsletter 27.

mini- competition 8

Be one of the first to get the stylish new Sure Shut PushLoc™ safety gate from Lindam

RRP: £29.99 with a special introductory offer of £24.99 at www.argos.co.uk

The Easy Fit Push to Shut range has exceptional safety features for busy and on-the-go families. This gate was designed to keep your child safe in your home. This safety gate's U shaped power frame ensures solid pressure fitting and maximum strength. The gate also has a modern and contemporary feel, with slim and sleek design.

The Easy Fit Push to Shut safety gate comes assembled and ready to use. It has:

For a chance to win 1 of 2 Sure Shut PushLoc™ safety gates from Lindam email the word 'Lindam' to
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by 25 May 2012. We will announce the winners in e-newsletter 27

mini- competition 9

Woman on the Edge of Reality by Linda Parkinson-Hardman

ISBN: 978-0955690631

RRP: £7.99

You may remember we featured Linda's excellent forum: The Hysterectomy Association in our TIPS e-newsletter 24. Linda has been very busy writing her first novel and we are pleased to say we have managed to secure a copy of this to give away in a TIPS competition.

Woman on the Edge of Reality tells the story of Rosemary (Rosie) who visits Cornwall for just one week in September. In that time, not only does she discover a love of picking blackberries, but she also revisits the reality that is her life and her role in shaping this. Rosie's voyage of discovery allows her to feel whole once more.

The novel's delicate touch lights a path to our own inner reality, giving us all a little more insight into why we do the things we do and what happens when things change.

For a chance to win a copy of Linda's novel email the words 'Woman on the edge' to
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by 25 May 2012. We will announce the winner in e-newsletter 27.

mini- competition 10

Aquasolari absorbent washable bed pad

The Aquasolari washable bed pad is so absorbent, so comfortable to lie on, so discreet and so silent that it could be a 'must have' during pregnancy, breastfeeding, toddlerhood and beyond.

Our Testers were so impressed with this product that we awarded it a TIPS Clever idea award in 2009. You can find out more about the TIPS trial and read the review here..

For a chance to win your own Aquasolari (worth £39.99) email the word 'Aquasolari' to
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by 25 May 2012. We will announce the winner in e-newsletter 27.

mini- competition 11

Boobie Buddies RRP: £32

Special discount for all TIPS readers and a chance to win your very own set of dolls

Boobie Buddies are kindly offering TIPS readers a 10% discount on the wonderful Boobie Buddies Breastfeeding Dolls. To get your discount add the special code: TIPSBB when you go through the online checkout.

For a chance to win 1 set of Boobie Buddies dolls (choose from blond or ethnic) email the words 'Boobie Buddies' to
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by 25 May 2012 (remember to say whether you would like the blond or the ethnic dolls). We will announce the winner in e-newsletter 27.

TIPS winners...

mini-competitions

The 2 lucky winners of the TAOC Card games are Lucy from Fife and Kate from Cheshire

The 2 lucky winners of the Carddies games are Juliet from Hertfordshire and Kirsty from Renfrewshire

The 3 lucky winners of the Organic Babies massage oil are Natsha from Antrim, Darren from Durham and Tracey from Ayrshire

The lucky winner of the book 101 Handy Hints for a Happy Hysterectomy is Jane from Devon

The 2 lucky winners of the Multi-mam and Multi-gyn gift sets are Catherine from Lancashire and Morag from Lothian

The 2 lucky winners of the JaJaJa language books are Francoise from London and Rabea from Lanarkshire

The lucky winner of the book King Jack and the Dragon is Amanda from Lancashire

The lucky winner of the book Where has my little girl gone? is Victoria from Cheshire

The lucky winner of the DVD Tom and Jerry & the Wizard of Oz is Helen from Greater London

The lucky winner of the Ergo Pouch swaddle bag and mumma comforter setis Munira from London

The 2 lucky winners of the ReadyBeds are Sarah from Yorkshire and Jennifer from Lanarkshire